selflessness

American  

[self-lis-nis] / ˈsɛlf lɪs nɪs /

noun

1. lack of preoccupation with one’s own interests, advancement, desires, etc., and attentiveness to those of others; unselfishness.

   Playing volleyball taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and selflessness, which can all be applied in the classroom in helping others.

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Etymology

Origin of selflessness

selfless ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Working in perfect unison, the Lakers showed every component they spent the season searching for: Doncic powering the offense, Reaves finishing it, Ayton’s motor and, at the center, James’ selflessness.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

What modern historians know is that selflessness didn’t come effortlessly to Washington.

From Slate • Feb. 16, 2026

Mixing American history with wild fabulation, and parental grief with Buddhist spirituality, the book’s weirdness and originality helped smuggle through its schmaltzy moralizing about selflessness and empathy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

"While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness," their family said in a statement.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

“Yes, my dear. I didn’t think such selflessness existed in mortals...especially in demigods. No offense.”

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• benevolence
• humanitarianism
• kindness